Portable Back Rest

ABSTRACT

A portable back rest is provided having a U-shaped frame formed from two vertical segments joined with a horizontal segment. Points on the end of each vertical segment are adapted to pierce and become submerged in soil or sand and hold the frame upright where the horizontal segment will support fabric such as a towel as a back support. Fins may be positioned adjacent the points on the ends of the vertical segments to further stabilize their engagement with soil or sand and provide a contact point for a foot during insertion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/165,722 filed on May 22, 2015 which is incorporated hereinin its entirety by this reference thereto.

The present device relates to seats and back rests. More particularly,the disclosed device, creates a lightweight and portable back restconfigured to support the upright positioning of a seated user, which isadapted for easy engagement with soil or sand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large number of the outdoor activity and event venues, such as picnicsites, beaches and camping grounds, do not offer adequate seating or inmany cases any seating for visitors. While there is frequently plenty ofspace in parks and other recreation areas for visitors to sit or laydirectly upon the ground, there generally is a lack of upright seatingfor such visitors. Consequently, visitors to such venues, for examplethe beach, are left to their own devices should they desire to have aback support and upright seating to as to be able to sit and enjoy theview during a visit.

Employing a picnic blanket or towel upon the grass of a park or the sandat the beach helps keep the user clean and separated from the soil orsand on the ground. However, such planar covers only allow a userplacing them on the ground to lay upon them face down or face up. Assuch, the ground-positioning of such towels and blankets offer noupright or vertical support and thus will not provided comfortablesupport for the user to lounge or rest in an upright or seated positionwhile relaxing, sun bathing, talking or eating. While a prone positionmay be sufficient for a portion the time spent visiting an outdoorvenue, visitors wishing to view other people, the water or surf, and thesurrounding area or activity, are unable to easily and comfortably do sowhen laying flat on the ground or sand.

In attempting a solution to this problem, users may generally shop topick from an array of portable chairs. Such chairs are generallycomposed of a jointed seat back and a bottom for sitting upon. In manyinstances such chairs may have longer or shorter legs to hold the userelevated a distance above the support surface or ground while seated. Amultitude of such outdoor seating devices have been developed to allowthe user to sit upright during outdoor visits to their favoredrecreational areas.

Such chairs are also generally formed of textile fabric or webbing whichis operatively engaged to the framework which is formed of metal orplastic. In some modes of conventional portable chairs, mechanisms areincluded in the framework which allow the user to select the anglebetween the chair back and a generally horizontally deployed bottom orseat. This chair back is adapted to support their upper body in avariety of angled positions relative to the soil or sand supportsurface.

However, the bulk and size required for the framework and associatedmechanisms of such portable chairs which enables them to support theweight of the user, often renders these portable chairs heavy orcumbersome to transport. Additionally, such chairs tend to corrode andinvariably the fabric engaged therewith will wear from use. As a result,these fabric covered chairs and seats are usually rendered inoperableover time by the failure of the support fabric engaged to the framework.

As such, there is a specific and unmet need for a lightweight and simpleportable back rest and support device, which is easily transported. Sucha device should provide the user with supported positioning of theirback, in an upright position, with their body concurrently separatedfrom the underlying soil or sand during use. Such a device in additionto being light weight, should be easily broken down into smallercomponents which are easily assembled to allow for easy and compacttransport. Finally such a device should enable the user or the providerto outfit the seating support with their own fabric or textilesupporting surfaces, to allow for customization or employment of favoreddecorative towels and blankets if desired, as well as providing aneasily changed fabric or textile support surface and avoid theobsolescence of conventional chairs which occurs when the permanentlyengaged fabric become inoperable.

The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewithare intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not implyany limitations on the invention described and claimed herein. Variouslimitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled inthe art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below andthe accompanying drawings.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a seat back support,which requires minimal skeletal support through the employment of distalends adapted for insertion into loose ground, and a frame adapted toengage with a towel or blanket of choice, to provide back support to theuser.

It is an additional object for the device to allow the user to employtheir own towel or textile fabric as the back support which is easilyyet securely engaged to the supporting structure.

Another object of the invention is the provision of such a back supportwhich is formed of easily disengaged components to allow for easy andcompact transport, but which can be configured to remain connected in adisengaged state.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art,which will become apparent from the description to follow, areaccomplished by the improvements described in this specification andhereinafter described in the following detailed description which fullydiscloses the invention, but should not be considered as placinglimitations thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes of the present invention, as embodiedand broadly described herein, the present invention provides a deviceconfigured as a portable back rest support.

The device includes a framework formed of a solid or preferably a hollowtubular frame having an axial passage running therethrough. Theframework may be formed using tubular members with bends at only twopoints along the framework, to thereby form two opposing verticalsegments connected by a horizontal cross member section.

The distal ends of both vertical segments are adapted for secure buteasy engagement with underlying soil or sand, and so engaged willsupport the horizontal segment. In an assembled configuration, all theincluded segments may have axes which are coplanar with an axialpassageway running the length of the assembled frame. So assembled, thevertical segments are congruent and symmetric about the middle segmentbisecting plane.

In all preferred modes of the device, the assembled tubular frameemploys a pair of vertical segments, each having a respective distal endwhich is configured with a point or spear engaged thereon. The pointallows for easy device penetration into loose ground or sand. Formationof the pointed ends for the assembled frame can be accomplished by anglecutting, crimping, cold forming or through affixing a conicalpointed-end component on each distal end.

The tubular structure may have a uniform outer diameter of between 0.125and 1 inches, and can be formed from engageable sections of tubinghaving rectangular, circular or geometrical cross sections.Additionally, the tubular vertical segments, and horizontal segment canrange between 10 to 48 inches, and 10 to 24 inches long respectively,depending upon the size of the intended occupant.

At an engagement point of each of two ends of the horizontal member toone end of the vertical members, the angle should be between 80 to 110degrees with a current favored mode being substantially 90 degrees. Asnoted this angled engagement may be accomplished by forming the entireframe of a single member and bending the single member to form thecorners, or more preferably, forming the frame from a plurality ofelongated member portions which connect at engageable corner componentsadapted for a frictional or other removable engagement with thehorizontal segment and two vertical segments. Forming the framework ofthe device from multiple engageable components allows it to bedissembled and formed to a smaller storage configuration.

In a particularly preferred mode of the device, the pointed endspositioned at the distal ends of each vertical segment will includeadjacently positionable stabilizing projections extending radiallytherefrom. Currently, such projections are provided by employing between1 to 5 stabilization fins which project radially from and around theaxis of each vertical member and which taper toward the pointed end uponthe vertical members. These fins are employable for both pushing thevertical member into the sand or soil by pushing upon them with a foot.Once engaged with the soil or sand, the fins also help secure the endsto a fixed position in the soil or sand.

So engaged with soil or sand, the preferred radially projecting finsprovide for increased rigidity of the assembled frame by preventingtraverse movement of the distal ends. Further they provide resistance todisengagement from the soil or sand during use when the user may beleaning upon the textile fabric the vertical members support. Thestabilization fins in a current preferred mode or of a length of between0.25 and 5 inches and project radially from the circumference of thevertical member between 0.25 and 5 inches.

To employ the device herein and position it to an as-used positionengaged with underlying soil or sand, the user will assemble thecomponents if formed of multiple components. With the frame assembled,the user will force downward on the tubular frame vertical sectionsusing their hands and body weight, or if fins are engaged, by steppingon the rear of the fins to force the vertical member into the soil orsand. This force causes a piercing of the sand or soil by the pointeddistal ends of each vertically disposed member. The force is continueduntil the vertical members and if employed, the radially projecting finsare buried below ground level of the soil or sand.

If fabric is not pre-engaged to the vertically disposed members, oncethe frame is in an engaged position, with soil or sand covering thepointed ends, the user may roll or tie a towel over the horizontalsegment of the frame and drape the towel down between the verticalexposed sections of the tubular frame segments, and onto the looseground. A frictional engagement surface or textile engagement surfacemay be optionally positioned upon the surface of the horizontal segment.Further, draping a towel or blanket so that the user is sitting uponboth ends underneath the seat of the user, will create a taught backrestto allow the user to lounge in comfort.

In another preferred mode of the device the sections forming the tubularstructure may be disengageable for easy packing, storage, andtransportation. In this mode, the device should contain one or acombination of rigid, temporary segment coupling means such as matingthreads, pins, spring pins, slots, interference fits, snaps, clasps,collars, bands or ties.

To prevent tubular structure segment loss, and to increase the rigidityof the assembled frame, this mode of the device may optionally employ ajoining string or elastic band, or a combination thereof, which isengaged at both ends of the assembled frame and communicates through anaxial passage running the length of the frame and any other permanent,nonrigid segment joints or flexible or slip fit tubes.

Additionally, in other modes of the device, one or more clips on thevertically disposed members of the tubular frame can be positioned totemporarily engage with a towel, or blanket, or other textile to theground-engaged frame of the device. The clip in this mode of the devicecan, for example, include one or a combination of clips from a groupincluding thumb clips, clasps, bungee straps, clinch straps, bands, hookand loop fasteners or ties.

The tubular structure in all modes should preferably be composed of adurable, lightweight material such as aluminum, or plastic ifsufficiently strong. However, it might also be formed of one or acombination of other materials from a group of materials including wood,steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, resin or polymeric materials.Additionally, a horizontal splat can be made of any durable,sun-resistant, flexible woven or non-woven material. Such may be formedof one or a combination of textile materials including nylon, cotton,polyester, denim, plastic, synthetic yarns, or wool.

With respect to the above description, before explaining at least onepreferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and to the arrangement of the components inthe following description or illustrated in the drawings. The deviceherein described and disclosed in the various modes and combinations isalso capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried outin various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Anysuch alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in theart is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor designing of other powder and pill storage and dispensing productsfor carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed device.It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as includingsuch equivalent construction and methodology insofar as they do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate some, but not the only nor exclusiveexamples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It isintended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to beconsidered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting inany fashion. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of a mode of the device in an as-usedpositioning with distal ends of both vertical members, engaged with soilor sand.

FIG. 2 shows a disassembled front view of the device showing a mode ofthe frame with separable components and an elastic member runningthrough an axial passage extending the length of the frame.

FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the device in an as-usedpositioning, with fins radially projecting adjacent distal endsoperatively engaged below ground level of the underlying soil or sand.

FIG. 3 displays a perspective view of a mode of the device whichincludes removably engaged fabric section for back support.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of another mode of the device havingclips projecting from the assembled frame for engagement of the textileor other flexible supporting fabric.

FIG. 5 shows a mode of the fins which may be slidably engaged upon theframe, and adjusted in positioning.

FIG. 6 depicts pointed ends which may be operatively engaged with thedistal ends of both vertical members and showing a flexible elasticmember connected thereto which may run through the axial passagewayrunning through the assembled frame to bias the components to holdengagement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Now referring to the drawings in FIGS. 1-6, wherein similar componentsare identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 thedevice 10 configured to an assembled configuration and ready for use asa portable back rest. In the depicted mode of FIG. 1, the device 10includes a solid or hollow tubular frame 12, which may be formed from asingle member which is bent at two corners, or otherwise formed ofsegments which are operatively engaged at corners. In this assembledconfiguration, the frame 12 is substantially a U-shape and has opposingand coplanar opposing vertical segments 22 which support a horizontalsegment 22 a distance above the ground or soil. By substantiallyU-shaped is meant that the vertical segments 22 can be parallel andengaged at a substantially right angle with the horizontal segment 22,or may run at an angle toward or away from each other in the directiontoward their respective intersection or engagement with the horizontalsegment 22. As noted this angle of engagement can be between 80 to 110degrees.

The horizontal segment 20 and the opposing vertical segments 22 with theframe 12 when formed to an assembled or as-used mode, such as in FIGS.1, 2 a, and 3-4 are all preferably all coplanar to allow for properpositioning and support of the towel or blanket or other flexible sheetover the horizontal segment 22 where it may be supported thereby or maybe held in position by an engagement surface 21 positioned on thehorizontal segment 22. Such an engagement surface for example can behooked fabric or a gnarled surface on the horizontal segment to resistslippage of the fabric support 16.

In all preferred modes of the device 10, the vertical segments 22 havedistal ends which are pointed or have a point 23 thereon, either formedor engaged, to allow for easy penetration thereof into loose soil orsand 18.

The frame 12 in current preferred modes has a substantially uniformouter diameter of between 0.125 and 1 inches. It may be formed withcircular or rectangular or geometrical cross sections. Additionally, thevertical segments 22, may be between 10 to 48 inches in total lengthfrom points 23 to engagement with the horizontal segment 20, and thehorizontal segments 20, 3 to 36 inches in length. A currently preferredangle between each of the vertical segments 22 at their respectiveintersection with the horizontal segment 20, thereby forming theU-shaped frame 14, is between 80 and 110 degrees. When using fittingsfor a removable engagement therebetween, a substantially 90 degree anglehas been found to form a strong and stable structure when engaged tosand or soil. By substantially 90 degrees is meant exactly 90 degrees orplus or minus 5 degree from 90 degrees.

Each vertical segment 22 preferably includes between 1 and 5stabilization fins 14 positioned at or adjacent the distal ends of thevertical segments 22 where the points 23 are positioned. The fins 14provided for increased resistance to disengagement from the soil or sandwhile supporting a user and help prevent the vertical segments fromtipping when the user leans upon the towel or fabric support 16.

The stabilization fins 14 in a current preferred mode are of a length of0.25 and 5 inches, extend radially from the center axis and exteriorsurface of the vertical segments 22 of the formed tubular frame 12. Thefins 14 may be positioned at or adjacent the distal ends of the verticalsegments 22 as noted, or in an adjustable mode, using removablyengageable fins 14 such as in FIG. 5, which allow for adjusting the fin14 distance from the points 23, to adjust for harder or softer dirt orsand and adjust the depth of insertion of the ends of the verticalsegments. Further, it is preferred that the fins 14 extend a distancefrom the vertical segment 22 with a fin edge 15 (FIG. 5) that runsperpendicular or at a slight incline to the axis of the vertical segment22. The forms the fin edge 15 to define a foot-engagement surface, sothe user may step upon the fin edge 15 during engagement of the points23, fins 14 and vertical segment 22 in the soil or sand. As noted below,the fins 14 can also be engaged adjustably, to allow for more or lesspenetration into the soil or sand, which allows for a spacing of thefins 14 from the pint 23 and a more secure support resistant to tilting.

To employ the device 10 herein, a user will force the vertical segments22 downward thereby piercing the loose ground 18 with the points 23positioned at the distal ends of the vertical segments 22. The distalends are forced below ground lever until the stabilization fins 14 arepartially or preferably fully buried. As noted, the fin edge 15 of eachfin 14 can also allow for a foot engagement to help force the verticalsegments 22 into the sand or soil.

For a device 10 configured without a permanent or removably engagedflexible fabric support 16, the user will position a fabric support 16such as a towel or blanket or similar planar flexible support surfaceheld over or upon over the horizontal segment 20 of the frame 12. Thetowel or blanket ends may be draped down and over or in-between thevertical segments 22, and onto the loose ground 18. Thereafter a usersitting on the two ends of the towel 18 or blanket providing the fabricsupport 16, will secure them to the ground and leaning thereon creates ataught backrest to allow the user to lounge in comfort.

In addition to, or in place of the towel 18 or blanket, the user maychoose to employ one or a combination of soft collapsible and portableitems including but not limited to: cloths, clothing, bags, sheets ornets.

In another preferred mode of the device 10, per FIG. 2, the tubularframe 12 can be formed of the vertical segments 22 and a horizontalsegment 20 which are disengageable for easy packing and transportation.In this mode, the device 10 should contain one or a combination ofrigid, temporary segment coupling means such as mating threads, pins,spring pins, slots, interference fits, snaps, clasps, bands, ties orslidably engageable fittings at the corners 29. Or the corners 29 may beportions of either the ends of the horizontal segment 20 or the upperends of the vertical segments 22 which are bent to a curve forming theengageable corner 29. In all modes the adjacent vertical segment 22 andhorizontal segment 20 will be formed to connect in a removableengagement as noted. To prevent segment loss in a disassembled mode ofthe frame 12, optionally a flexible and preferably elastic joiningmember 24 may be employed which is axially threaded through thecontinuous axial passageway formed between all the connectingcomponents.

This joining member 24 can be engaged for instance to a point 23component such as in FIG. 6, which will connect to the ends of thejoining member 24 by crimping thereto, or engaging it with knots to anaperture in the point 23 component. If the length of an elastic joiningmember 24 is less than that of the axial passageway through the formedand assembled frame 12, it will impart a biasing force to the assembledcomponents of the formed frame 12 to help hold it assembled.

As shown in FIG. 3, a permanent or removable horizontal splat 26 may beengaged to the vertical segments 22. As depicted a collar is formed onboth ends of the splat 26 through which vertical segments 22 areinserted.

In FIG. 4 is shown a mode of the device 10 employing clips 28 positionedon the formed frame 12 such may also be employed to temporarily affix atowel 18 or blanket or the like to the device 10.

As noted, FIG. 5 depicts an adjustably positionable fin component 31which is slidably engageable in position upon the vertical segments 22.The fins 14 extend radially around a collar 33 sized to slidably engageupon the exterior of the vertical segments 22. The fin component 31 andfins 14 may be slid closer to or further from the points 23 to allow fora deeper or shallower positioning of the fins 14 in the soil or sand. Areleasable connector 35, such as a set screw or an aperture which willengage depressible balls on each vertical segment 22, allows the collar33 to be positioned, and then held in that position by setting theconnector 35 such as a set screw.

FIG. 6 depicts points 23 which may be operatively engaged with thedistal ends of both vertical members 22 and showing a flexible elasticmember 24 connected thereto by a connector such as a crimp 37. A recess39 in the exterior circumference would be sided for slidable engagementwithin the axial passage at the distal ends of the vertical members 22.

As noted, the frame 12 should preferably be composed of a durable,lightweight material such as aluminum, but can alternatively be made ofone or a combination of materials in a list including but not limitedto: wood, steel, carbon fiber, fiberglass, resin or plastic. In either asingle pieced component or formed of multiple components, an axialpassage running the length of the frame 12 will allow for communicationof the flexible member 24 therethrough and if elastic, a biasedcompressive engagement of multiple components if so formed.

As noted, any of the different configurations and components can beemployed with any other configuration or component shown and describedherein. Additionally, while the present invention has been describedherein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in themethod of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes andsubstitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will beappreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, orsteps in formation of the invention could be employed without acorresponding use of other features without departing from the scope ofthe invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes,alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in theart are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadlydefined in the appended claims.

Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enablethe U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neitherintended to define the invention of the application, which is measuredby the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of theinvention in any way.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable back rest apparatus, comprising: aU-shaped frame having two vertical segments joined a respective firstends to opposing ends of a horizontal segment extending therebetween; apair of points, one each of said pair of points positioned at arespective distal end of one of said two vertical segments opposite arespective said first end; said frame positionable to an engagedposition extending generally upright from a support surface of soil orsand, with said pair of points in submerged positions therein; and saidhorizontal segment adapted to support a middle portion of a fabricsupport elevated above said support surface, with at least one endportion of said fabric support positioned upon said support surface fora user to sit upon.
 2. The portable back rest apparatus of claim 1,additionally comprising: at least one fin positioned at or adjacent eachsaid distal end of each of said two vertical segments, each said finextending in a direction away from an engagement with an exteriorsurface of said vertical segment.
 3. The portable back rest apparatus ofclaim 2, additionally comprising: each said fin having a fin edgeextending away from said vertical segment, said vertical edge defining afoot engagement position for a foot of said user, whereby a user mayemploy force from their foot to force said point on each respectivevertical segment to said submerged positions.
 4. The portable back restapparatus of claim 1, additionally comprising: said frame formed of saidtwo vertical segments each in a removable engagement at said respectivefirst ends, with said opposing ends of said horizontal segment.
 5. Theportable back rest apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising: saidframe formed of said two vertical segments each in a removableengagement at said respective first ends, with said opposing ends ofsaid horizontal segment.
 6. The portable back rest apparatus of claim 3,additionally comprising: said frame formed of said two vertical segmentseach in a removable engagement at said respective first ends, with saidopposing ends of said horizontal segment.
 7. The portable back restapparatus of claim 4, additionally comprising: a flexible elastic memberextending through an axial passage of said frame running through each ofsaid two vertical segments and said horizontal segment; opposing ends ofsaid elastic member connected at or adjacent respective said distal endssaid pair of vertical segments; and said flexible elastic memberimparting a compressive bias to said two vertical segments in theirremovable engagement with said horizontal segment.
 8. The portable backrest apparatus of claim 5, additionally comprising: a flexible elasticmember extending through an axial passage of said frame running througheach of said two vertical segments and said horizontal segment; opposingends of said elastic member connected at or adjacent respective saiddistal ends said pair of vertical segments; and said flexible elasticmember imparting a compressive bias to said two vertical segments intheir removable engagement with said horizontal segment.
 9. The portableback rest apparatus of claim 6, additionally comprising: a flexibleelastic member extending through an axial passage of said frame runningthrough each of said two vertical segments and said horizontal segment;opposing ends of said elastic member connected at or adjacent respectivesaid distal ends said pair of vertical segments; and said flexibleelastic member imparting a compressive bias to said two verticalsegments in their removable engagement with said horizontal segment. 10.The portable back rest apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising:said engagement of each said fin with an exterior surface of arespective said vertical segment, being a collar surrounding saidexterior surface, said collar engaged with a first end of said fin; eachsaid collar being slidably adjustable in position upon a respective saidexterior surface of a said vertical segment to adjust a position of saidin closer or further from a respective distal end; and each said collarhaving a releasable connector to fix said collar in a chosen positionupon the respective vertical segment to which it engages.
 11. Theportable back rest apparatus of claim 3, additionally comprising: saidengagement of each said fin with an exterior surface of a respectivesaid vertical segment, being a collar surrounding said exterior surface,said collar engaged with a first end of said fin; each said collar beingslidably adjustable in position upon a respective said exterior surfaceof a said vertical segment to adjust a position of said in closer orfurther from a respective distal end; and each said collar having areleasable connector to fix said collar in a chosen position upon therespective vertical segment to which it engages.
 12. The portable backrest apparatus of claim 5, additionally comprising: said engagement ofeach said fin with an exterior surface of a respective said verticalsegment, being a collar surrounding said exterior surface, said collarengaged with a first end of said fin; each said collar being slidablyadjustable in position upon a respective said exterior surface of a saidvertical segment to adjust a position of said in closer or further froma respective distal end; and each said collar having a releasableconnector to fix said collar in a chosen position upon the respectivevertical segment to which it engages.
 13. The portable back restapparatus of claim 6, additionally comprising: said engagement of eachsaid fin with an exterior surface of a respective said vertical segment,being a collar surrounding said exterior surface, said collar engagedwith a first end of said fin; each said collar being slidably adjustablein position upon a respective said exterior surface of a said verticalsegment to adjust a position of said in closer or further from arespective distal end; and each said collar having a releasableconnector to fix said collar in a chosen position upon the respectivevertical segment to which it engages.
 14. The portable back restapparatus of claim 8, additionally comprising: said engagement of eachsaid fin with an exterior surface of a respective said vertical segment,being a collar surrounding said exterior surface, said collar engagedwith a first end of said fin; each said collar being slidably adjustablein position upon a respective said exterior surface of a said verticalsegment to adjust a position of said in closer or further from arespective distal end; and each said collar having a releasableconnector to fix said collar in a chosen position upon the respectivevertical segment to which it engages.
 15. The portable back restapparatus of claim 9, additionally comprising: said engagement of eachsaid fin with an exterior surface of a respective said vertical segment,being a collar surrounding said exterior surface, said collar engagedwith a first end of said fin; each said collar being slidably adjustablein position upon a respective said exterior surface of a said verticalsegment to adjust a position of said in closer or further from arespective distal end; and each said collar having a releasableconnector to fix said collar in a chosen position upon the respectivevertical segment to which it engages.